ABSTRACT
The caspases that modulate inflammatory pathways (caspases-1, -4, -5, -11, and -12) have been intensely investigated by both academia and the pharmaceutical industry over the past several decades. In particular, caspase-1, or interleukin 1b-converting enzyme (ICE), has received considerable scrutiny as a drug target, the result of which has been the recent advancement of several compounds into clinical trials for various indications.1 In this chapter, we will discuss the design of small molecules that inhibit the inflammatory caspases. The predominance of molecules designed to inhibit caspase-1 will be reflected in the chapter, with latter sections reflecting the emergence of the other, less studied inflammatory caspases. A compilation of scaffolds will be presented at the end of each section, as applicable, to guide readers who
6.1 Introduction ................................................................................................... 123 6.2 Caspase-1 ......................................................................................................124
